Definition

1. Noun:
   • An evergreen tree: "Christmas holly" refers specifically to a type of evergreen tree or shrub, typically of the genus Ilex, characterized by glossy, dark green leaves with spiny edges and bright red berries. It is traditionally used as a festive decoration during the Christmas season.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The wreath on the door was made from fresh Christmas holly.
  • We went into the woods to gather branches of Christmas holly for our decorations.

Advanced Usage

• "deck the halls with boughs of holly": This is a line from a traditional Christmas carol, where "holly" is synonymous with "Christmas holly," referring to its use in festive decoration.
  • As the song goes, we should deck the halls with boughs of holly.

Variants and Related Words

• Holly (n): The common name for plants of the genus , which includes Christmas holly.
  • Several species of holly are native to this region.
• Ilex aquifolium (n): The scientific name for European holly, a common species used as Christmas holly.
• Evergreen (n/adj): A plant that retains green leaves throughout the year; a key characteristic of Christmas holly.

Synonyms

• English holly: Another common name for the same plant, particularly .
• European holly: Specifies the geographic origin of a common species used as Christmas holly.

Related Phrases

• Holly berry (n): The fruit of the holly plant, often bright red and a distinctive feature of Christmas holly.
  • Be careful; holly berries are poisonous if ingested.
• Holly leaf (n): The distinctive spiny leaf of the holly plant.
  • The holly leaf is a classic symbol in winter motifs.

Related Idioms

• As prickly as holly: Used to describe someone who is sharp-tempered or difficult to approach, referencing the plant's spiny leaves.
  • Since she lost her job, she's been as prickly as holly.

Noun

1. an evergreen tree